Stress Related Hair Loss
Everyone gets stressed from time to time but what happens when stress becomes a regular part of daily life? Or when a person faces an emotional upheaval such as divorce, redundancy or the death of a loved one. One of the physical symptoms of stress can be hair loss. Here is some information to explain how stress affects hair growth and expert advice on treatment.
What is Stress-Related Hair Loss?
Stress, illness, medications, childbirth and rapid weight loss can all cause a type of hair loss called Telogen Effluvium. This is often a temporary condition where the hair growth returns to normal approximately six to twelve months after the event, however in some cases it can trigger Male Pattern Baldness or Female Pattern Hair Loss. These are permanent, genetic conditions which may require treatment to prevent severe all-over thinning or baldness.
How Does Stress Cause Hair Loss?
When a person feels intense stress, the body releases a large amount of adrenaline; this transmits a signal to the hair follicles which causes them to enter the telogen (resting) phase early, where they stay for three months. During this phase there is no new hair growth. This results in an uneven hair growth pattern which leads to thinning hair and then hair loss.
Why Does Stress Cause Hair Loss?
As hair is considered to have a non-essential body function, the body will react to stress in a way that it considers being least harmful, hence the hair growth cycle can be affected.
How to Treat Stress-Related Hair Loss
It is important to resolve the issue that is causing the stress or learn how to manage the stress so it has a lesser impact. Examples of how to deal with ‘small’ stresses include taking up a hobby you enjoy, exercise, meditation, spending time with friends and reading. It is important that this becomes a regular part of your routine to help the body relax and release tension. For stress that is more severe, such as divorce, workplace bullying, job loss or the death of a loved one, it is advisable to seek the help of a counselor, a support group or therapist.
Once the underlying stress is being managed, it is possible to use hair loss treatments to help restore the hair growth cycle to its optimum condition. There are two hair loss products that have been proven to be effective and safe. Minoxidil (for men and women) and Propecia (for men only) can be tailored to suit an individual and, when used alongside the correct hair growth booster, can restore a strong and healthy hair growth cycle.
Whatever is causing the hair loss, it can be a stressful condition to cope with. A specialist will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis, answer any questions you have and discuss treatment options. Belgravia offers a free consultation with a specialist. Appointments are available 7 days a week and last 30 – 45 minutes. To book yours, simply call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, complete the online diagnostic form and a treatment advisor will be in touch within the next two working days.
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December 15th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I was searching for new hair loss treatment and found your post, it was very informative, thanks….